Court’s decision grants same-sex military couples new benefits

The Pentagon says there are roughly 5,600 active duty and
3,400 Guard and Reserve gay and lesbian service members, as well as 8,000
retired military personnel.

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In February, former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta issued a directive that opened up the new benefits to same-sex
couples, including death benefits, hospital visitation privileges and
commissary access. The implementation of those benefits for same-sex couples is
supposed to be completed by Oct. 1.

The memo said that "in the event that the Defense of Marriage Act is no longer applicable to the Department of Defense ... married couples, irrespective of sexual orientation, and their dependents, will be granted full military benefits."

Veterans groups opposed to DOMA hailed the decision as an
important step toward granting gay service members equal treatment in the military.

“IAVA is proud that all American service members can now
serve openly in the military, and that they and their families can receive the
benefits that they have earned,” Derek Bennett, chief of staff of the Iraq and Afghanistan
Veterans of America.

“Under DOMA, LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] service members who protect our country
are denied benefits afforded to their peers. Thankfully, today, we have
protected the rights of all troops, veterans and their families," Bennett
said.

OutServe-SLDN, a military association that advocates for gay
and lesbian service members, said Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel should
quickly move to provide same-sex couples those benefits that are currently
off-limits.

“We expect Secretary Hagel to act so that all families
affected by today’s ruling gain access to full recognition, benefits, and
support no later than sixty days from today,” OutServe-­SLDN Executive Director
Allyson Robinson said in a statement.